Muscle Weakness
Folic acid deficiency can also manifest in muscle weakness. When the body lacks enough vitamin B9 or B12 (folate), it produces abnormally large red blood cells that don’t function properly. This condition develops into folate deficiency anemia which is linked to the lack of folic acid in the body. When there’s a folic acid deficiency, the body cannot properly produce enough red blood cells.
When someone has anemia, the bloodstream cannot transport enough oxygen and nutrients to different body parts. The body cannot properly function when there’s a decrease in the oxygen and nutrient supply. Low levels of folic acid can develop into megaloblastic anemia, a condition where the red blood cells are larger than average and don’t have the lifespan of normal RBCs.
When there’s a shortage of RBCs in the blood, muscles don’t receive enough sustenance, leading to weakness and subsequent atrophy. Impaired oxygenation results in weakened muscular strength. When the muscles and different body parts don’t receive enough oxygen, it can lead to hypoxia, a severe condition.
Doctors recommend folic acid supplementation and eating folic-rich food such as dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, lentils, and beans.
